Keeneland Barn Notes — Tuesday, April 3

By Amy Owens —-

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

Keeneland’s 16-day Spring Meet opens Friday and runs through Friday, April 27, with racing Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 p.m. ET.

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Click here for the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) Weekend microsite dedicated to Keeneland’s April 6-8 opening weekend stakes. See biographies of the connections of horses expected to compete

in the 94th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass on opening Saturday, April 7; history and statistics for the race; and charts and replays. Also includes history, statistics and charts for the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) on April 7, along with complete lists of nominees and past performances for the other stakes on opening weekend.

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Click here for a link to the lists of nominations and past performances
for Keeneland’s April 13-14 stakes.

• GOTTA GO WORKS HALF-MILE IN :49.60 FOR TOYOTA BLUE GRASS
• AMERICAN GAL, FINLEY’SLUCKYCHARM LEAD DEEP MADISON FIELD
• LIMOUSINE LIBERAL HEADLINES FIELD OF 10 FOR COMMONWEALTH
• VETERANS DISCO PARTNER, BUCCHERO TOP SHAKERTOWN FIELD

GOTTA GO WORKS HALF-MILE IN :49.60 FOR TOYOTA BLUE GRASS

Lothenbach Stables’ Gotta Go tuned up for a start in Saturday’s $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G2) by working a half-mile in company in :49.60 over a fast track before the morning track renovation break Tuesday at Keeneland.

Working on even terms with the 3-year-old maiden filly Rizzoli, Gotta Go produced fractions of :24.20, :37.40, ;49.60 and galloped out 5 furlongs in 1:02.20 with regular rider Chris Landeros aboard.

Tuesday’s work was the fourth for Gotta Go since he finished sixth in the Xpressbet Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park on March 3.

“He is doing good,” Landeros said of Gotta Go, who is trained by Ian Wilkes. “I hope we get a good trip Saturday and a little bit better fractions to run at.

“In the Fountain of Youth, there was no (fast) pace,” Landeros said. “For top-caliber horses to go 48 (seconds for the first half-mile), that is a walk in the park, especially at Gulfstream that favors speed and has a short stretch. You have to be close there, but we didn’t want to go away from the game plan and had to bite the bullet that day.”

AMERICAN GAL, FINLEY’SLUCKYCHARM LEAD DEEP MADISON FIELD

Kaleem Shah’s American Gal, unraced since winning the Test (G1) at Saratoga by 4 lengths, and Carl Moore Management’s multiple stakes winner Finley’sluckycharm head a field of 13 fillies and mares entered Tuesday for Saturday’s 17th running of the $300,000 Madison (G1).

The Madison, run at 7 furlongs on the main track, will go as the eighth race on Saturday’s 11-race program with a 5:10 p.m. ET post time. First post time Saturday is 1:05 p.m.

Trained by Simon Callaghan, American Gal has won four of six career starts and was a perfect 2-for-2 in 2017. Jose Ortiz has the call on American Gal, who will break from post position 11.

Finley’sluckycharm won four stakes in 2017, including the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) here in October Trained by Bret Calhoun, Finley’sluckycharm can join Judy the Beauty (2013-2014) as the only horses to win the TCA and come back the following spring to win the Madison.

Brian Hernandez Jr. has the mount on Finley’sluckycharm and will break from post position 12.

Another filly looking to make some Keeneland history in the Madison is Alan Klein and Phil Lebherz’s Miss Sunset.

Trained by Jeff Bonde, Miss Sunset won the Lexus Raven Run (G2) here last fall. A victory Saturday would put her with Informed Decision as the only fillies to win the Raven Run and come back the following spring to win the Madison.

Julien Leparoux has the call on Miss Sunset and will break from post position eight.

Adding to the depth of the field is the presence of seven other graded stakes winners: Ami’s Mesa, Lewis Bay, Ms Locust Point, Salty, Tequilita, Teresa Z and Sailor’s Valentine, winner of last spring’s Central Bank Ashland (G1).

The field for the Madison with riders and weights from the rail out is: Sailor’s Valentine (Corey Lanerie, 118 pounds), Lewis Bay (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Salty (Tyler Gaffalione, 118), Ms Locust Point (Jorge Vargas Jr., 120), Tequilita (Luis Saez, 118), Teresa Z (Albin Jimenez, 118), Berned (Feargal Lynch, 118), Miss Sunset (Leparoux, 118), Natural Wonder (Chris Landeros, 118), Ami’s Mesa (Luis Contreras, 118), American Gal (Ortiz, 118), Finley’sluckycharm (Hernandez Jr., 118) and Mines and Magic (Jose Lezcano, 118).

LIMOUSINE LIBERAL HEADLINES FIELD OF 10 FOR COMMONWEALTH

Katherine Ball’s Limousine Liberal, Keeneland’s track record-holder for 6½ furlongs, will take on nine other sprinters when he makes his 2018 debut in the 32nd running of the $250,000 Commonwealth (G3) on Saturday.

The Commonwealth, run at 7 furlongs on the main track, will go as the sixth race on Saturday’s 11-race program with a 4 p.m. ET post time. First post time Saturday is 1:05 p.m.

Trained by Ben Colebrook, Limousine Liberal won four stakes in 2017 with the most significant victory coming in the Churchill Downs (G2). Limousine Liberal, who ran third in last year’s Commonwealth, will break from post position six under Corey Lanerie.

The field for the Commonwealth with riders and weights from rail out is: Heartwood (Jose Valdivia Jr., 120), Behavioral Bias (Jose Lezcano, 118), Westwood (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Warrior’s Club (Luis Contreras, 118), Conquest Windycity (Jose Ortiz, 118), Limousine Liberal (Lanerie, 118), Crewman (Chris Landeros, 118), Shut the Box (Florent Geroux, 118), Awesome Saturday (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118) and First Premio (Tyler Gaffalione, 118).

VETERANS DISCO PARTNER, BUCCHERO TOP SHAKERTOWN FIELD

Patricia Generazio’s Disco Partner and Ironhorse Racing Stable’s Bucchero, the 3-4 finishers in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar, top a field of 14 horses and two also-eligibles entered Tuesday for Saturday’s 22nd running of the $200,000 Shakertown.

The Shakertown, scheduled for 5½ furlongs on the grass, will go as the seventh race on Saturday’s 11-race program with a 4:35 p.m. ET post time. First post time Saturday is 1:05 p.m.

Trained by Christophe Clement, Disco Partner won four stakes last year, highlighted by the Jaipur (G3). Unraced since the Breeders’ Cup in November, Disco Partner will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and break from post position 13.

Bucchero, who scored a 26-1 upset victory in last fall’s Woodford (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select here, comes into Saturday’s race off a third-place finish in the Silks Run at Gulfstream Park on March 10. Trained by Tim Glyshaw, Bucchero will break from post position five and be ridden by Fernando De La Cruz.

The field for the Shakertown with riders and weights from rail out is: Frisky Magician (Ryan Moore, 120 pounds), Commute (Jose Lezcano, 120), Kid Perfect (Brian Hernandez Jr., 120), Zapperini (Adam Beschizza, 120), Bucchero (De La Cruz, 122), Commend (Jose Ortiz, 120), Will Call (Shaun Bridgmohan, 120), Tombelaine (Julien Leparoux, 120), Big Handsome (Florent Geroux, 120), Loose On the Town (Luis Saez, 120), Latent Revenge (Gabriel Saez, 120), Bound for Nowhere (Julio Garcia, 120), Disco Partner (Ortiz Jr., 118) and Flashaway (Corey Lanerie, 120). Also-eligibles: Mooose (Sonny Leon, 120) and Recruiting Ready (Ryan Moore, 120).

PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR OPENING SUNDAY STAKES

Here are the probable and possible starters for the two graded stakes on Sunday, April 8, according to Keeneland Stakes Coordinator Tiffany Bourque.

Click here for a microsite dedicated to Keeneland’s April 6-8 opening weekend stakes, including complete lists of nominees and past performances.

$200,000 APPALACHIAN (G2) PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION (Entries taken Thursday; race Sunday) – Probable: Beach Waltz (Mike Maker), Cash Out (Rusty Arnold), Daddy Is a Legend (George Weaver), Dixie Moon (Catherine Day Phillips), Goodthingstaketime (IRE) (Jorge Abreu), Heavenly Love (Mark Casse), Lounge Act (Brad Cox), Rushing Fall (Chad Brown), Thewayiam (FR) (Graham Motion), Treasuring (GB) (Simon Callaghan), Ultima D (Wesley Ward).

$150,000 BEAUMONT (G3) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT (Entries taken Thursday; race Sunday) – Probable: Almond Roca (Graham Motion), Criminal Mischief (D. Wayne Lukas), Dream It Is (Barbara Minshall), Gas Station Sushi (Richard Baltas), Good Move (Brad Cox), Happy Like a Fool (Wesley Ward), In the Mood (Stephen Sandy), Summer Sunday (Stuart Simon), Sunny Skies (Kenny McPeek), Uppercut (Peter Eurton), Upset Brewing (Buff Bradley).

2018 SPRING MEET SPECIAL EVENTS

Through the summer, The Keeneland Library is paying tribute to Pierre Bellocq, the internationally celebrated artist better known as “Peb,” with the exhibit “Artistry of Peb: Fifty Years of Features” and a virtual exhibit on Keeneland.com titled “The Artistry of Peb.” “Artistry of Peb” showcases 18 of Bellocq’s features from The Morning Telegraph and Daily Racing Form spanning the mid-1950s to the mid-2000s. This work solidified Peb’s renown as an artistic commentator of the Thoroughbred racing industry. The Keeneland Library is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Official Keeneland Tours – Keeneland offers a selection of guided tours, including Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tours and a Backstretch Tour and Day at the Races, throughout the year. On Saturdays during Sunrise Trackside, free guided tours begin every 20 minutes from the Paddock and Walking Ring from 7:30-10 a.m.
Wednesday, April 4
Taste of the Races. The Keeneland Shop presents a spring shopping preview in celebration of the Spring Meet from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Event features hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Marc Therrien and craft cocktails from Maker’s Mark and Gents Original. The first 250 attendees will receive their complimentary cocktail in a Keeneland Catstudio glass as a gift. Attendees will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases at The Keeneland Shop. Some exclusions may apply.
Thursday, April 5
Taste of the Races. The Keeneland Shop presents a spring shopping preview in celebration of the Spring Meet from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Attendees will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases at The Keeneland Shop. Some exclusions may apply.
Friday, April 6 – Opening Day
The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

College Scholarship Day. College Scholarship Day, which Keeneland holds with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, will give away a record $30,000 thanks to two $10,000 Runhappy Scholarships in addition to ten $1,000 scholarships awarded after each race. Click here to pre-register online by 5 p.m. April 5 to pass the line and enter to win an outdoor box for use April 6. Full-time college students receive free general admission April 6 and can register at the College Zone in the North Terrace, which will have music, free snacks and prize drawings.
Tailgating on The Hill. Keeneland’s popular tailgate lot, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, features local food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, The Keeneland Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. BETologists will be available to answer fans’ questions.
Friday Pick 4 Presented by TVG. A $200,000-guaranteed pool will be offered on the final four races of the day, including the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3).

Saturday, April 7
Sunrise Trackside Racehorses and the people who work with them begin the day well before sunrise. See what they’re up to Saturday mornings during Sunrise Trackside, a free family-friendly event. Breakfast With the Works features breakfast for purchase and trackside commentary (7-8:30 a.m.) while horses train on the main track, and is accompanied by children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7-9 a.m.); guided walking tours (7:30-10 a.m.); equine Paddock demonstration (9 a.m.) with Asbury University; and a Q&A session with a jockey in the Paddock (12:05 p.m.).

The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

Tailgating on The Hill. Keeneland’s popular tailgate lot, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, features local food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, The Keeneland Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. One of Central Kentucky’s favorite bluegrass bands will perform from 12-4 p.m. BETologists will be available to answer fans’ questions.

$400,000 All-Stakes Pick 4 Presented by TVG. Features races 7-10: Shakertown (G2), Madison (G1), Central Bank Ashland (G1) and Toyota Blue Grass (G2).
$300,000 All-Stakes Pick 5 Presented by TVG. Features races 6-10: Commonwealth (G3), Shakertown, Madison, Central Bank Ashland and Toyota Blue Grass.
Sunday, April 8
The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

Jockey Autograph Signing. Racing fans can meet jockeys currently competing at Keeneland as well as retired jockeys – from Hall of Famers to history makers and Keeneland favorites – and participate in an autograph signing to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Retired jockeys scheduled to take part in the event include James Bruin, PJ Cooksey, Jean Cruguet, Tony D’Amico, Pat Day, Rafael Estrella, Carl Faulconer, Sandy Hawley, Michael Heath, Mike Manganello, Chris McCarron, Larry Melancon, John Oldham, Suzie Picou Oldham, Joe Steiner and Kaoru Tsuchiya.

Keeneland Photos